Arsenic Rule Compliance for Small Water Systems in Maine

Publication:
ARSENIC IN MAINE GROUNDWATER: Guidance for Small Water Systems

Objectives:
We propose to assist small water systems in complying with the Arsenic Rule (CFRXX). We propose to provide integrated educational and technology transfer that will utilize knowledge and technologies developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Geological Survey, the State of Maine’s Department of Human Services Bureau of Health, Maine Geological Survey, and the University of Maine. This effort will provide the 121 affected utilities in Maine with the tools needed to be in compliance with the new arsenic drinking water standard.

The objectives of the proposed work are:

1. To develop an informational digest on arsenic treatment technology for small water systems.
2. To demonstrate existing technologies through regional workshops.
3. To establish a resource for small water utilities in Maine.

In Maine, over 70% of the population uses drinking water from groundwater wells. About 90% of these wells are completed in bedrock and are more likely to contain arsenic than surface waters. There are 103 public water supplies documented by the Maine Drinking Water Program (MDWP) to contain arsenic in concentrations > 10 µg/L. Our goal is to provide assistance to these small water systems, but our outreach will be available to every public and private drinking water system.

The Mitchell Center and MDWP will provide staff and use EPA staff as available to provide instruction and guidance at training sessions organized by Maine Rural Water Association (MRWA). We will be relying on US EPA cost analyses for large systems (Ref) and cost analyses for residences (Sargent-Michaud and Boyle, 2002). If needed, we will be able to generate new cost-benefit assessments. Also, we will emphasize proven technologies for applications while providing an overview of new technologies.